Monday, January 11, 2016

I didn't get married until I was 29. When I would go
to weddings my older aunts would come up to me and poke me saying, "You're
next." I finally had enough of that and figured out how to stop
them: I said the same thing to them at the next funeral.

As I write this I'm anticipating a phone call at any time informing me that my
older brother has passed. He's been ill for some time and this past
weekend took a turn for the worse. I'm not writing to seek sympathy;
we're beyond that. What I'm thinking about are the things that Jeff
wanted to do that he didn't get to do. He did a lot of things and enjoyed
life. But there are things he wanted to do that aren't going to happen.

Of course then that makes me think of the things I want to do. I've had
lots of opportunities and have taken advantage of a lot of them. I
appreciate all that I've had the chance to learn, do and see. I could
start a long list of the things but you'd all get bored. However, I can't help
making a short list below. The point of this writing is to propose a new
fund for folk like me: Make-A-Wish-For-Old-Guys. I don't mean to
disrespect the endeavors of those who donate time and money to the current
Make-A-Wish; I merely propose an additional cause.

If I had the money I'd follow the Formula One races for a year. I'd get
to see a lot of countries and experience a lot of cultures. I'd like to
go to every Mormon Temple opening, and I'd especially like to see the ones in
Paris, Rome and Bangkok. I'd like to meet Mario Andretti. I'd like
to ride in a Bugatti. (Andrea has done that and truthfully, I'm
envious.) I would like to stand on the top of the mountain overlooking
Lake Louise in Banff and marvel at God's creation. It would be great to
spend 2 weeks in Branson and see every show there. Seeing Andrea Bocelli
in concert in Italy would be fabulous. How many of you would like to join me in
seeking the monster of Loch Ness, not caring if we found it or not?

But the real point is that I want to die with things still
on my bucket list.I always want to have
something fun planned and I want to live life looking forward to the next day,
the next week and the next year.
These things are perfectly reasonable. With the help of the
Make-A-Wish-For-Old Guys I can accomplish my dreams. Let's get the word
out, there's not much time; I retired in April and there’s lots to do.